Butler Farms began in upstate New York, where Bill and Janet Butler began milking sheep. Although they were strangers to farming, they wanted to be part of a rural lifestyle that could provide a healthy food source. In 1993, they moved to Whitehall, Wisconsin to expand the farm and return to Janet's roots. Here, they established the first grade A sheep milk dairy plant with an IMS listing in the United States.

They now have a milking flock of 250 ewes. The ewes -- with their many lambs -- have abundant room to rotationally graze on the Butler's organically managed 280 acre farm. All cheeses are made at their farmstead creamery.

Butler Farms cheeses include Fresh Brebis, a soft spreadable cheese similar to chevre but made from pure sheep milk. The flavor is mild with a slight tang. Their Feta is brined and aged to bring out the subtle flavors of the milk and their Ricotta is made from the whey of their Feta. The Butlers have also been producing some handmade affinaged cheeses: a Camembert and an Aged Tomme.

Look for their cheeses near the Wisconsin Avenue side of the Dane County Farmers' Market on Saturdays, or call 715 983-2285 for more information.